Women and Testosterone

Although men make greater amounts of testosterone than women, the hormone is essential for the survival of all animals. When testosterone falls below essential levels, both sexes suffer difficulty concentrating, decreased sexual desire, and diminished memory. Most people understand that testosterone is a hormone that is important for men, but did you know it is also a vital hormone for women to maintain a high quality of life?

“It’s easy for women to consider these problems as a normal part of the aging process,” says Dallas Fort Worth’s Functional Medicine Expert Dr. Margaret Christensen- “but they shouldn’t. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms will need to have their hormone levels checked to determine the best treatment to help feel their best.”

Here are several of the more common symptoms of low testosterone in women:

Weight Gain & Difficulty Losing Weight

Midlife weight gain is so common that women often assume it is just part of getting older, but if you are unable to control your weight or have changes in muscle tone and bone density, you may be showing symptoms of low testosterone. Many women with low testosterone experience muscle loss and increasing weight gain.

Hair Loss

Hair loss is one of the most visible symptoms of low testosterone. Hair loss can occur in the head or other areas of the body. Be aware if your hair is getting patchy or you need to shave your legs less frequently. Testosterone supports healthy hair production and maintenance, so keep an eye out for any hair loss, on your head or otherwise.

Mood Swings, Depression and Low Mood

If you are experiencing unexplained mood swings, sudden bouts of depression, or are feeling blue or “low”, then you may be suffering from low testosterone. Testosterone is vital in mood regulation in the body, low levels of testosterone can make it difficult for the body to regulate itself.

Exhaustion and Fatigue

Always tired? Even after a full night’s sleep? You could be experiencing one of the symptoms of low testosterone in women. Another common symptom for women with low testosterone is difficulty sleeping through the night. A healthy hormonal balance is a key to achieving consistent, restful sleep.

Anxiety

Another possible symptom of decreased testosterone levels is anxiety. Anxiety, like depression, is another mood that can result from imbalanced hormones causing changes in your brain chemistry. If you suddenly are experiencing bouts of anxiety, or panic attacks, it’s time to talk to your doctor about low testosterone.

Difficulty Concentrating

If you find that you are having difficulty concentrating on ordinary tasks, especially when having always been able to concentrate easily on the task at hand, then you may be suffering from low testosterone.